Til The End by Joseph Patrick and Dennis Lowery is one of those books that I read in 2016, but never got around to reviewing. It’s not because the book was lacking anything.I think it has a powerful message to send to teens and young adults…maybe all of us.
Check it out for yourself and I would love to know what you think.
If you are a football fan, like I am, Til The End by Joseph Patrick & Dennis Lowery is one of those stories of privilege, coverups, drugs…all the negatives you hear about. One fatal mistake, doesn’t matter why, and the actions they take will come back to haunt them.
The repercussions are like the butterfly affect…a stone in the water and the ripples spread.
I started reading this and thought, this is a story for teens, it’s not doing it for me, BUT by the time I was done, I felt so sad for the young men. The story brought tears to my eyes as….well, I started to share waaaaaay too much.
I think all young sports players should take a look at Til The End. Maybe it should be required reading for school. Maybe we could all learn a lesson.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Ryan, Tyler, Avery and Jacob are high school football stars. Everyone looks up to them. They’re living the life that young boys and men dream of and are right at the point of having it all: a state championship, college paid for, a chance for big money and even more glory in the NFL.
Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those
neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything
like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in
your stacks.
Fabulous cover the Ward of the Vampire by Kallysten drew me into this vampire story with characters that captured me, making me want to know more as they took me to a wonderful place of magic and romance.
Forgot to mention the cliffhanger. This is more like a preview or a tease of what is to come in the series, which is complete and available as a set and you can get it HERE for $4.99 on Kindle
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
It’s THE party of the
season. Socialites, artists and A-list stars have been invited to Morgan
Ward’s birthday bash, including Angelina’s boss, Delilah.
For
months, Angelina has been looking at the preparations from afar, but
never did she imagine that, come the day, Miss Delilah would put her in a
gorgeous gown and bring her along as her ‘plus one.’
Wandering
from crowded room to crowded room in the sumptuous mansion, Angelina
grows overwhelmed and escapes onto a balcony, only to find it occupied
by her host. That first meeting leaves her struggling for her very life,
but she soon gets an unexpected do-over.
Meeting Morgan Ward for the first time all over again, Angelina finds herself falling into his arms… But is it all only a fantasy?
Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr is an action packed novella with gods and aliens, science fiction and some medieval thrills with characters that gripped me and I felt bad for the ones that didn’t make it…at least some of them. LOL
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
An exciting stand-alone science-fantasy adventure. Get the Ebook for free at www.brandonbarr.com
Hunted
and desperate, Ella, the former ruler of her Realm, must evade the
king’s assassins and fulfill a mission given her by the gods.
Ella
carries an otherworldly device, the purpose of which she does not know,
but if she is to grasp hold of a prophecy spoken over her, she must
survive to deliver the item to a mysterious man named Quanthum.
Her only aid is her sharp intelligence and a devoted soldier named Rathan, who has sworn to protect her.
Enter the world of Hearth and read the dramatic tale of Ella and Rathan today!
Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those
neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything
like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in
your stacks.
Here we go again, another book I don’t know who gave it to me or when I got it, but Water’s Blood by Elaine Calloway was released 1.28.13. So I will share a one sentence review.
Walking the New Orleans streets, the Elementals search for the Minare, the Fallen Angels, but Brooke, a Water Elemental has an even more important mission of her own, to save her human family, and everything about the book made me want to read it, though, I did have some trouble with Ella, until I let my mind go and the fantasy take me where it will.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Nature’s
Elementals—Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water—have lived for countless
millennia. Disguised as humans, they are charged with one mission:
protect the innocent from fallen angel clans, who reap human souls and
force them to do their bidding.
Brooke, a Water Elemental
stationed in New Orleans, broke the rules once—she mated with a human.
For her indiscretion, she is forbidden to share a life with her loved
ones: NOPD officer Alex and their half-breed daughter, Ella.
Now Ella is about to turn sixteen, and the local clan of fallen angels is determined to snare her soul by Halloween.
Brooke broke the rules once by allowing love to interfere with her mission. Now she and Alex must put consequences aside to break the rules again—if they wish to save their daughter’s soul.
The Whisper Man by Alex North has such a creepy cool cover and blurb, I couldn’t resist snagging a copy from Net Galley. My thanks go out to Celadon Books for the opportunity to read and review The Whisper Man.
I don’t know who did the cover, but they did a fabulous job. The Whisper Man is due to be released 8.20.19 and is available for preorder.
Looking at the cover for The Whisper Man by Alex North, I anticipated a nail biting, spine tingling suspense thriller, and I was not disappointed.
As I get to know Jake, Tom Kennedy’s son, better, I can tell he will be a special child. And his dad… Jake and Tom’s relationship is realistic, their feelings and struggles as they try to put their life back together are sad, yet hopeful.
They both need a fresh start after the loss, a new town, a new house. The house called to Jake and I wondered why. It had personality, but is there more to the story? Alex North’s description of the house makes me feel as if it is alive, waiting for the right people to come home.
I am trying to figure out what is going on with Jake, but Alex North keeps me in the dark. When I find out, I love it. I wonder why I didn’t think of that. I love when, in hindsight, things are so obvious, yet an author strings me along, making me wonder.
The killer…The Whisper Man…is s creepy because of the ease with which he lures the children in.
Pete, the lead investigator, has a history with The Whisper Man. I quickly came to care for this flawed character. He’s not a young hunk, but he does go to the gym and works hard at keeping himself in shape. He keeps his mind and his body occupied. He can also whip up a delicious meal.
At 70%…Hmmm… Got my imagination going with the dialogue and Jake’s thoughts. There has been a subtle threat of danger lurking on every page and I am waiting…sometimes the waiting and the ideas of what is to come is worse than what really happens. Will that be the case?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Whisper Man by Alex North.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
In this dark,
suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of
suspense, as a father and son are caught in the crosshairs of an
investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.
After
the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will
help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a
new town. Featherbank.
But the town has a dark past. Twenty years
ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank
Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he
would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.
Just
as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His
disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter’s crimes,
reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives
Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late,
even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The
Whisper Man.
And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window…
ABOUT ALEX NORTH (from Amazon)
Alex North was born in Leeds, England, where
he now lives with his wife and son. He studied Philosophy at Leeds
University and prior to becoming a writer, he worked there in their
sociology department.
Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those
neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything
like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in
your stacks.
The books I have been sharing for the Backlog post are from the documents on my Kindle. I am trying to read through them so I can delete them. Some have been hanging around for a very long time, others not so much.
This week, I’m sharing Lynda Filler’s Code Raven: Prequel, a thriller novella. Love that cover…and whenever I see a crow it gets my mind working…something evil this way comes.
I don’t know when I downloaded it or where I got it from, but the Code Raven: Prequel was released 7.16.18.
The Code Raven: Prequel is a wild and amazing introduction to a thrilling series and I found the characters to be unique, fascinating, and highly skilled.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
The world’s most elusive billionaire. A brain trust that cannot be controlled. A warrior and a patriot. After
the brutal murder of Luke Raven’s wife and seven-year-old daughter,
Luke disappears for several months. When he returns, get ready for the
non-stop action of Luke, Luci, Zach, RB, Maggs, and a cast of
unforgettable characters who form the Raven Group. Discover the
secretive life of billionaire Luke Raven, how he made his fortunes, and
where his true loyalties lie. The Code Raven Series is a page-turner, an action-packed adventure. This is where it all began.
“The author’s style is reminiscent of CLIVE CUSSLER, LEE CHILDS or BALDACCI.” N. Huff
Sue Coletta blew my mind with her Mayhem series, so when I got the chance to continue with the Grafton County series, there was no doubt in my mind I was going to do it.
Pre-order price is 99 cents and will be delivered to your Kindle on 8.7.19.
1…2…3…4…5…missing boys…and it’s all downhill from here. How bad will it get? Knowing Sue Coletta…much, much worse.
Sage is a crime writer and wife of the Grafton County Sheriff, Niko Quintano. She writes the Grafton County Series. A coincidence? lol She hadn’t planned on meeting one of the mothers of the missing boys, but once she asked for help, she couldn’t deny her.
Sue Coletta’s writing is so descriptive I can picture some of the scenes that really stick in my mind. One of them is when Noah reaches out to his Daddy wanting to be picked up. Reaching out, opening and closing his hands when he speaks in that little baby voice.
And their fur babies…oh man, do I love them too. Ruger is super intelligent and immediately suspicious of the stuffed moose that Noah brought home with him from the grocery store.
Ruger and Colt are their fur babies, each with their own distinct personalities. I love when dogs are incorporated into the story so seamlessly, having pivotal roles to play. Beware, because they will fight to the death to protect their humans.
Poor Niko, having to deal with Frankie, his deputy, who is bordering on the line of insubordination, and Sage, his wife, who is reckless and fearless, going off half cocked investigating on her own.
A very sad and tragic story of a young boy’s life.
The taste of the supernatural is so sad, yet hopeful at the same time. Even bad people can have good inside them…don’t you think?
A ghost. Why would it choose her to talk to, to appear to her? Does Sage have something special about her? Her love for her humans and fur babies are evident in everything she does.
The only thing that really bugged me is…why didn’t Sage share her suspicions with Frankie. But maybe she would have been too prepared for what Sue had in mind. And I do love where she took it.
The moments with Noah and the fur babies are terrifying and adorable.
Tears and laughter abound. Sue Coletta gave me a happy ending, and set the hook for what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Racked by Sue Coletta.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
It starts with an innocent stuffed animal. It ends in mind-numbing terror.
Five
missing boys and an adult corpse found in the town’s water shed was
only the beginning for Sage and Niko Quintano. After a hooded-stranger
gives their son, Noah, a stuffed animal—the exact Christmas moose given
to all the missing boys days before their abductions—their lives spiral
downward into uncertainty.
Could Noah be the next boy to go missing?
As
they piece together each cryptic clue, the future looks more and more
grim. But what they soon discover blows everyone’s mind, the truth
teetering on the unfathomable.
What does it all mean, and where do they go from here?
ABOUT SUE COLETTA
ABOUT SUE COLETTA Member of Mystery Writers of
America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Sue
Coletta is an award-winning, multi-published author in numerous
anthologies and her forensics articles have appeared in InSinC
Quarterly. In addition to her popular crime resource blog, Sue co-hosts
the radio show “Partners In Crime” on Writestream Radio Network every
third Tuesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. EDT/EST (see details at www.suecoletta.com).
She’s also the communications manager for the Serial Killer Project
and Forensic Science, and founder of #ACrimeChat on Twitter. She runs a
popular crime website and blog, where she shares crime tips, police
jargon, the mind of serial killers, and anything and everything in
between. If you search her achieves, you’ll find posts from guests that
work in law enforcement, forensics, coroner, undercover operatives,
firearm experts…crime, crime, and more crime. For readers, she has the
Crime Lover’s Lounge, where subscribers will be the first to know
about free giveaways, contests, and have inside access to deleted
scenes. As an added bonus, members get to play in the lounge. Your
secret code will unlock the virtual door. Inside, like-minded folks
discuss their favorite crime novels, solve mindbender and mystery
puzzles, and/or relax and chat. Most importantly, everyone has a lot of
fun. Sue lives in northern New Hampshire with her husband, where her
house is surrounded by wildlife…bear, moose, deer, even mountain lions
have been spotted. Course, Sue would love to snuggle with them, but
her husband frowns on the idea.
I love this cover for Dead Eye by Alyssa Day. Any story located in Florida is always on my list, and it looked like such a fun read…free too. Be sure and check for the ‘0’ and pick up a copy for yourself.
With such a great cover and destination, I could not pass on this wonderful paranormal mystery that spotlights a shapeshifter, a tiger to be precise, an I can see how you die pawnshop owner, and an orphan girl, as the danger draws closer the mystery draws them together and I can hardly wait to read more from Alyssa Day.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
For Jack Shepherd, tiger shape-shifter and former soldier, life is heading for a dead end. Dead End, Florida, to be exact. When he learns that he inherited a combination pawn shop/private investigation agency from his favorite uncle, Jack’s first job is to solve his uncle’s murder. Because sometimes it takes a tiger’s eye to see the truth.
Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those
neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything
like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in
your stacks.
Roxanne Rhoads runs Bewitching Book Tours and I have been a host there for years. When I saw she had a book on Instafreebie, I grabbed it. Does that mean we are supposed to review it? Heck I don’t know any more…I downloaded it on 1.16.17 and it was released in October of 2009. Have you read it?
New Orleans. Halloween. Ooooo sounds right up my alley and a bit creepy. I do love to get my creep on. BUT, beware of the heat, this is an erotic vampire love story that burns with passion…but for who?
She was at Quillon’s beck and call. He is a vampire and she is a paranormal researcher, so she knows that all the monsters are real and they do walk among us. She lives a solitary life, carrying her B.O.Bs with her when she travels. Are you curious? Okay, I’ll tell you, but just this one thing and that’s it. Battery operated boyfriends
There were no big surprises for me and I don’t read a lot of erotic stories, but this short was just right and hit all my supernatural buttons.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Eternal Desires by Roxanne Rhoads.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Paranormal researcher Liz Beth’s dreams are haunted by a sensual vampire, who may or may not be real. She arrives in New Orleans the week of Halloween in search of her elusive dream lover, Quillon. She doesn’t find him, but she does encounter a handsome stranger, Christien. They begin a passionate affair, but she is torn between her dream lover and her flesh and blood lover, both of whom are a mystery to her. She fights to regain her reason, trying desperately to find the truth about Quillon while Christien holds her under his own spell.
Due to a reader’s persistence, One Taste of Redemption by Amanda Siegrist was written. She hadn’t planned on giving this cheater his own story, but Newman refused to be silenced. Amanda does her own covers and she can sure pick the leading men.
I have read the entire series, from Book I, One Taste of You, Zeke and Zoe’s story and it has been fun to follow these Sex and the City type ladies, but instead of roaming the city looking for love, it seems to find them through the mysteries they become involved in.
Lately, I seem to find all the notes I take when reading slip by the wayside when it comes time to write the reviews. My mind seems to be in two different places and the characters dictate which scenario will be played out as I type.
Newman…what can I say. He got what he deserved when he cheated and the lies began to run rampant. He doesn’t have very good coping skills, so he tends to act out instead of facing the tough decisions. But…I feel people deserve second chances when they feel remorse. It can be a learning experience, when the offense was done ‘innocently’. He never did it with malice. He was stuck in a corner and panicked…
I love to see a character earn their redemption. None of us are perfect, so why do we expect perfection from others? Something to think about when we are placing blame and judgment on someone else.
We do need some laughs and giggles to help us get through the tough times of kidnapping and danger that dogs the unlucky siblings, Amelia and Adam. Why were they targeted?
Now…I think this will be the last story told in this series and I love the way Amanda Siegrist wrapped it up, especially when she wasn’t expecting the story to be told. Thanks so much to the reader who insisted that Newman needed a chance…All the characters made an appearance, plus we meet a couple of new ones. After all, Newman needs some love too. He just needs a smack upside the head, a young man in need of a role model and the sister who sure could use a hand raising him.
Amanda keeps her novels…pretty clean…and loves her happy endings. Don’t we all?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of One Taste of Redemption by Amanda Siegrist.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
He lied. He cheated. He lost everything. One missing boy could be his redemption…
Detective
Newman—well, not a detective anymore—wants to be left alone to lick his
wounds after his life fell apart. He can’t blame anyone but himself.
When a gorgeous woman with vibrant pink hair and a sassy attitude knocks
on his door, he doesn’t want anything to do with her. Except Amelia
Benedict doesn’t understand the word no. Her brother is missing. The
police refuse to help because they believe he ran away. But she knows
her brother is in trouble and insists he’s her only hope. He’s
definitely not the right guy for the case. He’s nothing but bad news,
and if Amelia sticks around, he’ll destroy her as he destroyed himself.
Warning:
This novel contains a sexy hero. He’s not a detective anymore, but he
didn’t lose his sexiness. You know you don’t wanna miss his story! Happy
reading!
The entire One Taste series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.) One Taste of You (Book 1): Zeke & Zoe One Taste of Love (Book 2): Ben & Rina One Taste of Crazy (Book 3): Sauer & Dee One Taste of Sin (Book 4): Stitch & Susan One Taste of Redemption (Book 5): Newman & Amelia
ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST
Love!
Gimme some love and heaps of romance. I have a sappy heart that just
loves two people meeting, going through the cycles of a relationship,
and ultimately, falling in love. Give me a good book like that and I’m a
happy camper:)
I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.
Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*
